| Elements of the Pitch Package |
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Page 4 of 4 Script Financiers may tell you they’re willing to read scripts more than once, and while this may be true, the fact is that once they’ve read your script, they’ll have an opinion of the material that may be difficult to change. Assume that your project will only be read once: the stakes are that high. Check closely for typos or formatting errors, and make sure no pages are missing from hard copy. If you’re sending the script out for production financing, only send it once you’re sure the draft is the best you can make it, short of including investor feedback. Once you’ve sent the draft, don’t forward added material out of the blue. If you haven’t heard back from them and would like to send an updated draft, call first. Unannounced material is aggravating if they have already read your project or paid for coverage (a professional reader’s analysis of your script). Development notes Your notes shouldn’t be longer than a couple of pages. They should identify the script issues that need to be solved in this round of development, in order of importance. Don’t give too much detail – going into line notes is not necessary. Development notes demonstrate that you can assess the script’s weaknesses objectively, that you know how to make your script work better for its target audience, and that you have a clear methodology to get there. Ideally, development notes help make the case that your project and your team are worthy of an investment. Proposed or attached cast list Send the proposed cast for the key roles only, with a handful of options for each role. The list must be realistic relative to the budget, shooting schedule, material and director. Of course, if you are paying for stars, the stars need to appeal to your target market. You need to indicate if you have direct personal access to marketable talent suitable for your project. Buyers will be looking for marketable elements here, a cast that will drive the target audience to want to see the film. Bios for all key creatives Keep bios or resumes brief. They need to show that your key creative talent is appropriate for the project and can be depended upon to deliver quality product on time and on budget.  |
